Fruit and Veg

July's Fruit and Veg Market Report

Written by Tom Moggach July 01, 2014

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Biggest surprise of The World Cup? “That it wasn’t so hot. I thought I’d be wearing t-shirts and shorts,” says Terry, who I bumped into shopping on Buyer’s Walk. He took his two sons to Brazil for the trip of a lifetime.

Less surprising was my next random encounter. See the Rolls Royce below? Well, it was a box of finest English cherries that were the first purchase I saw loaded into its enormous boot.

These homegrown cherries are a definite highlight for July, available alongside imports from Spain. Melons, including watermelons, are another summery buy:

British soft fruits are in full swing, including strawberries, redcurrants, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and both red and green gooseberries:

Flat or ‘donut’ peaches and nectarines are always popular and eating well. These join apricots, peaches and plums, mostly Spanish:

There’s also plenty of chunky outdoor British-grown rhubarb to add a tarter note:

On the veg front, the first runners have arrived to join the English peas and broad beans:

I spotted these rather choice Fagiolo Corallo beans at European Salads, modeled here alongside the more easy-to-find Haricots Beurre:

Beautiful Borlotti are also on hand:

There are plenty of excellent tomatoes of all shapes and sizes. Also English and Continental courgettes (including round green and yellow) and their flowers, plus larger marrows:

On the leafy side, expect a full range of English herbs and salads including spring onions and watercress. Admire this chock-full display at Side Salads:

The lovely spinach below is from P&I Veg:

This Rainbow chard is English, too:

For chunkier veg, there’s excellent mid potatoes, including Jersey Royals and others from Norfolk and Cornwall.